Ask

Happy Tummy Expert

3 months ago

Dear Priyabrata Thank you for the question.

 Kudos to you on taking initiatives towards good health. Weakness, fatigue or lethargy can be due to insufficient or inadequate dietary intake, dehydration, nutritional deficiency or can be a symptom of any underlying health condition which may require medical attention.

The liver function tests usually typically include alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), serum bilirubin, total protein and albumin. There are many factors involved in raised liver function test levels including underlying metabolic conditions, infections, celiac disease etc., that may require medical attention.

It is recommended to consult a specialized health care professional such as hepatologist for further assistance and management. 

Liver is an important organ and plays a key role in the regulation of metabolism, storage of nutrients and detoxification. The factors that affect liver health are dietary deficiencies, infections, alcohol, drugs and chemicals & inborn errors of metabolism etc.

Some tips to maintain and support good liver function:

• Avoid excess consumption of high fat foods and sodium, limit the consumption of deep-fried foods.
• Eat a balanced diet including all food groups
• Eat food with fiber helps your liver work at an optimal level. Fruits, vegetables, whole grain, millets, multigrain etc are good sources of fiber and contribute to your fiber needs
• Include protein in your diet as it helps in repair of tissues and regeneration of liver Some of the sources include pulses, lentils, milk, paneer, soybean, eggs, lean meat, nuts & seeds, etc.
• Restrict the intake of salt and water if oedema and ascites are present(the quantity should be advised by the healthcare professional based on the urine output).

Low Density lipoprotein (LDL) is considered as bad cholesterol and High-Density lipoprotein (HDL) is considered as good cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a natural component that is found in human blood and other cells of the body. It supports normal function of cell membranes, and synthesis of hormone, bile acids, Vitamin D etc. Our liver produces cholesterol in adequate amounts that is required by the body.

However increased intake of high fat foods, leads to elevated levels of cholesterol in blood and may potentially increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders. Some of the factors include genetics, stress, sedentary lifestyle, medications, an underlying health condition etc. The type and quantity of fat in the daily diet also influences the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

Certain foods like soyabean, fenugreek, garlic, onion, flaxseeds, oats and turmeric can be included in the daily balanced diet due to their antioxidant properties and biochemical compounds present in them.

Elevated plasma Triglycerides (TG) concentration can be caused due to various factors like sedentary lifestyle, genetics, underlying health conditions, metabolic disorders, etc, it potentially increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. For further diagnosis and assistance kindly contact your specialized health care professional.

Certain foods like flaxseed, Walnuts are characterized by a high content of MUFA, PUFA, vegetable protein, dietary fiber, vitamins (vitamins E, K, folate, B1), minerals (magnesium, cooper, potassium, and selenium), they also contain phenolic acids, stilbenes, tocopherols, flavonoids, and melatonin which may potentially reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases.  

• Total Cholesterol levels <200mg/dl is classified as Desirable
• >200-≤239 mg/dl indicates Borderline high Total cholesterol Level
• ≥240 indicates a high total cholesterol level

Here are few guidelines that can be considered for Cholesterol & Hypertriglyceridemia

• Have a Diversified Balanced Diet that includes all the food groups in the right quantity which thereby provides you with all the essential macro and micro nutrients that your body requires daily for proper functioning.
• Try to incorporate the My plate Concept by dividing your plate into 4 quadrants, fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, the other two quadrants with cereals and protein. A small quantity of dairy intake is recommended.
• Consume minimum 5 servings of vegetables and 1 serving of fruit as they are rich in Fiber, essential minerals & Vitamins as well as they give you a feeling of satiety. Regular consumption of fruits has been linked to cardiometabolic health due to their high content of bioactive compounds that potentially reduces the risk of heart disease.

• Try to consume more of Whole grains, Millets and Multigrain foods as they are a good source of fiber.
• Prefer lean meat (chicken, Fish) over full fat red meat.
• Some oils such as rice bran oil, flaxseed oil, and sesame oil contain phytonutrients. These active compounds have the potential to lower blood TG concentrations. Mixed rice bran, flaxseed, and sesame oils with the purpose of improving blood lipid profile and cardiometabolic health
• Foods rich in antioxidant containing carotenoids and vitamin E may protect cardiovascular disease. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables are a good source of antioxidants.
• Limit intake of deep-fried foods. Method of cooking like baking, grilling, boiling, steaming is preferable over deep frying with excess fat/ oil.
• Try switching from saturated fats and trans fats to MUFA (mono-unsaturated fatty acids) & PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) as they are essential fatty acids and are good for your health.
• Carbonated and alcoholic beverages to be limited or preferably avoided.
• Have your last meal at least 2-3 hours before Bed time.
• Try to follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and quality.
• Engage in at least 30-45 minutes of physical activity of moderate intensity such as walking for at least five days a week

Prediabetes is a health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Various factors like genetics, sedentary lifestyle, acute stress etc., can cause diabetes. 

• A fasting blood sugar level of <110 mg/dL is considered normal.
• ≥110 to <126 mg/dL indicates you have impaired fasting glucose.
• ≥126 mg/dL indicates you have diabetes.

Management of any type of diabetes or prediabetes requires diagnosis and further assistance

 For guidance on medications and specific health needs please contact a specialised health care professional such as a diabetologist for further assistance and management.

Here are a few tips to help manage your blood sugar levels.

• It is recommended to have low GI (Glycaemic index) foods. Simple sugars should be restricted since they are easily absorbed and have high glycaemic index. Some of the Low GI foods include green leafy vegetables, green beans, apples, orange, pear, wheat, millets, pulses, lentils etc.

• High protein intake helps to increase insulin production & promote satiety. Pulses, lentils, eggs, lean meat, paneer etc., are a good source of protein.
• Combination of oils is preferrable. Include monounsaturated (MUFA) & Polyunsaturated (PUFA) containing oils like sunflower oil, ground nut oil, Gingelly oils.
• Increase intake of whole grains and legumes and limiting the intake of saturated fats helps in improving insulin sensitivity and reduces the risk of diabetes independent of weight loss.

For guidance on medications and specific health needs please contact a specialised health care professional such  as a cardiologist for further assistance and management.

Hope we have answered your query.

Wishing you a great day ahead.

0 Reply